Timeless Past Review
By Dillan Garcia (University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 09/02/2017 to 12/09/2017 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned that in oder to learn the culture within the time I was there it would require I completely open myself up and leave all my American ways out on the US and Immigration entrance. You gain so much from this way of looking at life in Mexico. In addition, most working class people seemed to live very happy ( and people accustom themselves to be out more. Not like America). Happiness toward life is one aspect I brought back with me.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I made new contacts and would like to build the connections. Also, I feel in love with the State of Oaxaca so much that leaving was devastating. I am amazed at how present the culture is and how open and friendly the people were. |
Finances
|
* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $200-250. As an art major supplies were the most expensive. In addition, when i wanted to participate in cultural excursions or museum visits not included in the program that money came directly from my budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend not going with the fancy tour guides. they know how to rip foreigners off and they are sometimes over priced. In addition, always ask for to know the full price of cultural excursions because sometimes they have hidden fees. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Meet the local people. Coffee shops or cultural excursions are a great way to practice. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. Thats part of the study abroad experience. You learn as you go. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Featured Program Providers
